Belhaven Seniors Byrd, Williams, Norris Named to Conerly Trophy Preseason Watch List
JACKSON, Miss. — Belhaven University seniors Jimmy Byrd, Cam Williams and Kyle Norris have been named to the 2026 C Spire Conerly Trophy Preseason Watch List, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum announced earlier this week. The list features three players from each four-year college football program in Mississippi.
The Conerly Trophy, now in its 31st year, is awarded annually to the most outstanding college football player in Mississippi. Byrd, a defensive end, is entering his fourth season with the Blazers after earning All-USA South First Team honors in 2024. He has totaled 77 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in his first three seasons at Belhaven.
Hailing from Mt. Vernon, Alabama, Byrd recorded career highs with 45 tackles, nine tackles for loss and six sacks as a sophomore. In 2025, he added 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and six quarterback hits across nine games. Williams, a left tackle from Clinton, Mississippi, started all 10 games last season and earned USA South All-Conference First Team recognition. His protection helped limit Belhaven to just 17 sacks, the third-fewest in the conference.
Norris, a punter from Gardendale, Alabama, is recognized as one of Division III’s top specialists. He earned D3football.com All-Region III Second Team and USA South All-Conference First Team honors last season, leading the conference with an average of 43.3 yards per punt. Norris totaled 2,033 yards on 47 punts, with 12 punts at least 50 yards and 12 inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. His longest punt was 65 yards against Brevard. He also handled kickoff duties, recording 23 touchbacks on 49 attempts with an average of 59.7 yards per kick.
The Conerly Trophy is named in honor of Charlie Conerly, a former Ole Miss quarterback who was named NFL Rookie of the Year in 1948 and NFL Player of the Year in 1959. The 31st annual award ceremony will be held Dec. 1 at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum in Jackson. Belhaven opens its 2026 season tomorrow against Millsaps in the Riverside Rumble, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
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